Abstract: A setting structure module for a timer including a hollow top housing and a bottom housing, and a time setting apparatus positioned in upper portion of the top housing. A middle cover is located above a middle of the top housing and inserted through an inner hole of time setting apparatus. The left inner side of the bottom housing provides a synchronize electric motor, a power supply connecting apparatus and the gear transmission system connected to the output axle of synchronize electric motor. A right inner side of the bottom housing has a switch dial and micro switch.

Abstract: To enable to easily stop a second hand at a 0 second position even in an analog electronic timepiece operating a hand at a high period. A dividing circuit outputs a low frequency pulse signal and a high frequency pulse signal at predetermined frequencies to a control circuit. The control circuit outputs the low frequency pulse signal of 4 pulses per second aligned at equal intervals when it is detected by a detecting circuit that an operating portion is not operated and outputs repeatedly the high frequency pulse signal of consecutive 4 pulses at every second when it is detected by the detecting circuit that the operating portion is operated. A motor driving circuit and a motor normally operate a second hand in response to the low frequency pulse signal and repeats, at a period of 1 second, operation of fast feeding the second hand and thereafter stopping the second hand during a predetermined period of time in response to the high frequency pulse signal.

Abstract: To make calibration of temperature compensation etc. of individual sensor timepieces straightforward, to carry out measurements of physical quantities by each type of sensor in a highly precise manner, to make setting of a time and date for implementing the original timepiece function of the sensor timepiece easy, and to reduce the number of erroneous settings. A sensor timepiece equipped with a pressure sensor 1 comprises calibration control means for controlling writing of detection values of the pressure sensor 1 to a storage unit 3 in synchronism with external environmental setting control means for controlling an external environment corresponding to physical quantities measured by the pressure sensor 1.

Abstract: To reduce power consumption by operating hands only when needed. By operating to depress a mode changeover switch, a second hand is moved selectively to a hand operation start time setting mode (WAKE) position, a hand operation stop time setting mode (SLEEP) and an alarm time setting mode (ALARM) position. Hand operation stop time, hand operation start time and alarm time are set by setting an hour/minute hand to desired time by operating to depress a time setting switch in a state in which the second hand is disposed at the respective setting mode positions. When the hand setting stop time arrives, operation of the time hands is stopped and when the hand operation start time arrives, the time hands are fed fast to regular time and thereafter, normal time indicating operation is carried out.

Abstract: A mechanical clock having wireless manipulation and adjustment function includes a remote controller and a mechanical clock. The mechanical clock has a reception circuit board for receiving a wireless signal emitted by the remote controller to drive a motor to rotate. The motor then jointly leads a gear set to drive a hand of the mechanical clock to rotate. The remote controller can manipulate the alarm ring setting of the mechanical clock. The remote controller can be used to turn on or off the alarm ring timing function and the snooze function, and set the time of an alarm ring timing hand. A user can thus use the remote controller to manipulate related settings of the mechanical clock to facilitate the manipulations thereof.

Abstract: A timepiece includes a reference wheel and a target wheel each having one or more reflective members for reflecting a light generated from a light emitting device. The position of the reference wheel may be determined when receiving a starting code, in order to align an orifice of the reference wheel with the light emitting device, for allowing the light to be reflected by the reflective member of the target wheel. The reflective members of the target wheel are arranged in a binary code sequence for determining the position of the target wheel relative to the reference wheel.

Abstract: A timepiece includes a reference wheel and a target wheel each having one or more reflective members for reflecting a light generated from a light emitting device. The position of the reference wheel may be positively determined when receiving a starting code which includes one or more “off” signals and one or more “on” signals reflected by the reflective member of the reference wheel. The reference wheel may be quickly rotated to align an orifice with the light emitting device, for allowing the light to be reflected by the reflective member of the target wheel.

Abstract: A method for enabling or disabling mode functions in a multimode electronic device is provided. The method comprises the steps of selecting a mode enabling/disabling mode from a plurality of modes by initiating activation of the mode selecting mechanism until the mode enabling/disabling mode is exhibited, causing the integrated circuit to enter the mode enabling/disabling mode, exhibiting at least mode function indicators for at least one of the exhibited mode functions within the plurality of modes as the mode selecting mechanism is cycling through the display of mode functions, and selecting the mode function for which enabling or disabling is desired and initiating the switching of the mode function from one of disabled to enabled if the mode function was disabled or one of enabled to disabled if the mode function was enabled. An electronic device that can carry out the foregoing methodology is also provided. In a preferred embodiment, the electronic device is a timepiece and specifically, a wristwatch.

Abstract: In an analog electronic timepiece, when a detection circuit detects an external calling signal, a data storage circuit and a data-transmission-signal pulse generating circuit are used to achieve data transmission through a motor coil and a driving circuit, both of which are conventional elements constituting the analog electronic timepiece, at timing between pulses of a driving signal for moving hands.

Abstract: A time keeping system used to automatically adjust for daylight savings includes a processor having a preprogrammed internal clock module, a preprogrammed daylight savings time setting module, and a low power detection module. The preprogrammed internal clock module is programmed with a time, a date, and a year. The preprogrammed daylight savings time setting module is programmed with a plurality of daylight savings changes and automatically adjusts the internal clock to reflect a daylight savings time change. The low power detection module detects an operating power level. A primary battery is operatively coupled to the processor, and provides a primary power source to the processor. A frequency generating unit is also operatively coupled to the processor, and provides a frequency to the preprogrammed internal clock module. Furthermore, a clock movement unit is operatively coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive a series of timed-pulses from the processor.

Abstract: An electronic watch has a help switch for switching between a help state and a non-help state, an input circuit for converting the state of the help switch into switch information, and a help information storage circuit for storing help information to be transferred to a user. A set information storage circuit stores a setting condition of the electronic watch. A help information selection circuit selects help information from the help information stored in the help information storage circuit in accordance with switch information from the input circuit and the setting condition stored in the set information storage circuit. A help information output circuit outputs the help information selected by the help information selection circuit. An indication drive circuit converts the help information outputted from the help information output circuit into an indication drive signal. An indicator indicates the indication drive signal of the indication drive circuit.

Abstract: A method of setting a multimode electronic device operable in a current mode, a mode setting mode and a next mode. If a predetermined number of electrical signals are generated prior to the expiration of a predetermined period of time, the electronic device exits the current mode and enters the next mode. Locking conditions are also provided to assist in ensuring the device remains in a “home,” such as the time-of-day, mode. In one embodiment, the switching mechanism includes a rotating setting stem and the electronic device is a watch.

Abstract: Time values (hour, minute, AM/PM parameter) can be simply and quickly set in a computer system using a graphical representation of a circular analog clock face. Time setting zones (hour-indicative sectors and minute-indicative subsectors) are defined on the displayed clock face. A user selects an hour and a minute value in a single point-and-click operation by moving a cursor into the appropriate subsector within the appropriate sector and then performing a cursor select operation. Two different approaches are described for choosing an AM or a PM parameter to be associated with the selected time value.

Abstract: A time period setting structure of a timer, in which a rotary disk is provided on a periphery of a setting disk, and a transparent fixing cover and several setting keys are provided in the setting disk. A LCD is also provided in the transparent fixing cover, and a rotary ringed stand is provided under the rotary disk. Several projecting teeth are provided on the outer edge of the ringed body under the ringed stand, and a sliding device is provided on a base, a projecting tooth is provided on the sliding device. When the rotary disk is clockwise/counter-clockwise rotated, to-and-fro movement between left/right and central position is accomplished by the ringed body with projecting teeth fitting with the projecting tooth of the sliding device. Such to-and-fro movement triggers conductor area of pre-set circuit, and the setting of the Hour/Minute can be achieved by operating the rotary disk.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically displaying a correct time and date when initially activating a clock. After manufacture of the clock and before it is purchased by the user, a basic data set, including the time and geographical region data, are input to the clock via an interface. The data are stored in a memory of a microcontroller. After purchase by a user, the clock is plugged into a power grid and the correct time and date are displayed without the need to set the clock.

Abstract: A data input control section inputs a crown state detection signal from a crown state detection section, and determines how a crown is operated. When the operation of selecting a second rate fast/slow data input mode has been performed, the section controls an indication control section to cause the section to give indication for inputting rate fast/slow data. When the operation of inputting rate fast/slow data has been performed with respect to the crown, the rate fast/slow data specified by the operation is outputted to a data storage section.

Abstract: A data transmitting/receiving system is configured so as to send data to an analog-type watch, without the need to make direct electrical contact thereto and without influencing the drive of the hands of the watch. When a timing signal that is sent from the watch is received, a data transmitting unit performs transmission. The watch does not receive data at other times, and this receiving operation is performed intermittently.

Abstract: To enable to easily stop a second hand at a 0 second position even in an analog electronic timepiece operating a hand at a high period. A dividing circuit outputs a low frequency pulse signal and a high frequency pulse signal at predetermined frequencies to a control circuit. The control circuit outputs the low frequency pulse signal of 4 pulses per second aligned at equal intervals when it is detected by a detecting circuit that an operating portion is not operated and outputs repeatedly the high frequency pulse signal of consecutive 4 pulses at every second when it is detected by the detecting circuit that the operating portion is operated. A motor driving circuit and a motor normally operate a second hand in response to the low frequency pulse signal and repeats, at a period of 1 second, operation of fast feeding the second hand and thereafter stopping the second hand during a predetermined period of time in response to the high frequency pulse signal.

Abstract: A data transmission/reception system for wrist-type electronic timepiece. The data transmission/reception system for electronic timepieces comprises a data transmission device for generating data signals, and an electronic timepiece that receives data signals from the data transmission device by utilizing a coil for driving the hands, wherein the electronic timepiece is provided with a timing signal-generating means which generates a timing signal, and the data transmission device is provided with a timing signal-receiving means which receives the timing signals output from said hand-driving coil and transmits data signals in synchronism with the timing signals that are received. The data are transmitted and received in an ordinary hand-moving state without halting the timepiece while the functions are being operated. Therefore, there is no need of adjusting the time after the operation of the functions.

Abstract: A first (5) of the indicators and a first pipe (1) form part of an angular position indicating moving part (MR1) carrying a plate (9) co-operating with a first sensor (11) for generating a position signal for said indicator as a result of discontinuities in the material of said plate. A second display indicator (6) coaxial to said first indicator is coupled to a second angular position indicating moving part (MR2). The latter, which is mounted at a distance from the first moving part, is in a meshing relationship with a second pipe (2) carrying said second indicator. This second moving part carries a second plate (18) co-operating with a second sensor (20), for generating a position signal for said second indicator as a result of discontinuities in the material of said second plate.

Abstract: Time values (hour, minute, AM/PM parameter) can be simply and quickly set in a computer system using a graphical representation of a circular analog clock face. Time setting zones (hour-indicative sectors and minute-indicative subsectors) are defined on the displayed clock face. A user selects an hour and a minute value in a single point-and-click operation by moving a cursor into the appropriate subsector within the appropriate sector and then performing a cursor select operation. Two different approaches are described for choosing an AM or a PM parameter to be associated with the selected time value.

Abstract: Embodiments of a wrist-worn instrument face display that has dot matrix indicating icons for programming or prompting the instrument. The icons may be single or combinations of symbols, numbers and text. In particular, the icons indicate a function of the instrument, and “point” to a specific function key located near the instrument face to indicate which key is to be pressed, and how many times it is to be pressed, and/or what plurality of keys are to be pressed and in what order, in order to obtain an identified, desired read-out on the instrument face or display. This way, operation of several functions, even ones requiring multiple keystrokes, may be easily accomplished by the user without referring to the operations manual.

Abstract: A multimode electronic device having a plurality of manually actuated buttons for selecting between a plurality of modes and functions wherein at least one of the modes has at least two second level functions. The device can cycle among the modes upon the repeated activation of a first button and can cycle among the functions upon the repeated activation of a second button. The multi-level hierarchy including both modes and functions provides for a more improved user interface with improved functionality.

Abstract: A center wheel & pinion of a wheel train is formed so that high load is applied to the wheel train when a minute hand stands at twelve o'clock. A pulse control circuit outputs a normal driving pulse. When a motor does not rotate by the normal driving pulse, the pulse control circuit outputs a first auxiliary driving pulse. Further, when the motor does not rotate by the first auxiliary driving pulse, the pulse control circuit outputs a second auxiliary driving pulse. The motor 6 normally rotates by the normal driving pulse or the first auxiliary driving pulse or rotates by the second auxiliary driving pulse when the high load is applied to the wheel train, i.e., when the minute hand stands at twelve o'clock. A pointer position detecting circuit judges that the minute hand stands at twelve o'clock when it receives the P3 output signal from the pulse control circuit, i.e., when the second auxiliary driving pulse is outputted from the pulse control circuit.

Abstract: Quadribalanced digital time displays and methods comprising increasing digital minutes displayed on the right flank of centrally positioned digital present hours, in relatively upper and lower positions during the first and second quarter hours, followed by decreasing digital minutes displayed on the left flank of digital next hours, in relatively lower and upper positions during the third and fourth quarter hours, are enhanced by simultaneously displaying markers in one or more of the three quarter hour minute positions not containing digital minutes at any one time to inform the viewer that such marked positions are functional elements of the display but not activated due to the current time being displayed in another of said minute positions at that time. A single displaceable crown control is also provided for facilitating the operation of a timepiece embodying such enhanced quadribalanced time displays and methods.

Abstract: An analog clock with a contiguous digital display is driven by radio signals from a WWVB or other time keeping radio station. To avoid using magnetic or optical feedback of the position of the hands of the analog clock if an erroneous time is shown (for example because of replacing the battery), the user of the clock physically resets the digital display to the analog setting (which of course is erroneous). Then an associated microprocessor speeds up or slows down the running of the analog clock until a match is made to the actual radio time.

Abstract: A device of small dimensions includes a two coaxial wheels (4, 6) respectively including two plates (44, 46) parallel to each other. A sensor (10) including a detection element (14).formed by a magnetic or capacitive element, in particular a flat spiral coil, is provided for detecting the angular position of both of the two wheels. In order to do this, the sensor (10) detects the presence or absence of an active material above the detection element (14). For this purpose, each of plates (44) and (46) has at least one inactive region for the sensor and is formed at least partially of active material for the sensor. The sensor is arranged relative to the wheel the closest to the detection element in such a way that the latter is at least in part above or below said at least one inactive region in at least one determined angular position of said wheel so as to allow the sensor to detect the angular position of the wheel whose plate (44) is furthest from the detection element (14).

Abstract: A clockworks, a timepiece and a method for operating a timepiece. The timepiece comprises a housing providing a face, the face having indicators corresponding to respective time increments, a plurality of hands rotatably supported on the face, the plurality of hands being rotatably positionable relative to the indicators to indicate a time, one of the plurality of hands being a sweep hand, and the clockworks supported by the housing.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a portable object such as, in particular, a timepiece, including an electronic movement carried by a printed circuit (20), this electronic movement including a time base circuit, a frequency divider circuit powered by the time base, a control circuit (22) connected to the divider circuit and a display system controlled by the control circuit, this portable object also including at least one push-button (8, 10) including a head (26) and a stem (16) passing through the middle part (4) of a case (2) closed by a back cover (6), characterised in that the push-button stem (16) can be electrically connected to a data input (42, 44) of the control circuit (22) by pressing on the push-button (8, 10), so that it is possible, via this stem (16), to enter data into said control circuit (22), originating from an electronic unit (45) for transmitting and receiving digital data such as a personal computer or PC or to extract data contained in said portable object.

Abstract: Quadribalanced digital time displays and methods comprising increasing digital minutes displayed on the right flank of centrally positioned digital present hours, in relatively upper and lower positions during the first and second quarter hours, followed by decreasing digital minutes displayed on the left flank of digital next hours, in relatively lower and upper positions during the third and fourth quarter hours, are enhanced by simultaneously displaying markers in one or more of the three quarter hour minute positions not containing digital minutes at any one time to inform the viewer that such marked positions are functional elements of the display but not activated due to the current time being displayed in another of said minute positions at that time. A single displaceable crown control is also provided for facilitating the operation of a timepiece embodying such enhanced quadribalanced time displays and methods.

Abstract: A time signal repeater, capable of selectively relaying standard time radio signals having different modulation frequencies and correcting the time based on the plurality of standard time radio signals without changing a radio correction clock side, including an antenna portion capable of receiving a standard time radio signal by a set resonance frequency, an oscillating circuit outputting a signal having a frequency of the received standard time radio signal in synchronization with the standard time radio signal received by the antenna portion, at least one frequency conversion circuit converting the frequency of the output signal of the oscillating circuit, a receiving circuit receiving as input the standard time radio signal received by the antenna portion and correcting a time of an internal clock according to a time code included in the received radio signal, a transmission circuit generating a time radio signal including a time code based on the internal clock based on the output signal of the oscillati

Abstract: Correcting operation is carried out at every predetermined time. In the correcting operation, an indicator is forcibly returned to an initial position by outputting a correction pulse to a step motor. In this case, there is a case in which a positional relationship between a rotor and a stator of a step motor is shifted since the indicator is forcibly stopped at the initial position in view of the mechanism. When the shift is caused, even when pulses are inputted for operating the step motor, at a first pulse, the step motor is not rotated. In order to resolve this problem beforehand, thereafter, the indicator is operated by 1 step in a regular rotation direction. After finishing the above-described correcting operation, as in a normal case, the indicator is reciprocated in the predetermined range.

Abstract: A timepiece includes a rotating member (1) and a contactless electric capacitive detection device for detecting positions and/or movements of the member. In order to avoid the problems posed by conventional systems with electric switches, the detection device includes at least one capacitive sensor (2), having one or more fixed electrodes (6, 7) and a toothed rotor (5) driven by the member, and an electronic detection apparatus (3) sensitive to variations in the sensor capacitance. The device may include two capacitive sensors whose output signals are in quadrature, in order to be able to indicate the direction of rotation of the member. The rotating member may be a time-setting control stem or another component such as the shaft of a watch hand.

Abstract: A technique for setting time of an apparatus which receives signals either from a single analog channel and a single digital channel or from a plurality of analog channels and a plurality of digital channels. In the case that the apparatus receives signals from a plurality of analog channels and a plurality of digital channels, a determination is first made as to whether an input signal is from one of the analog or digital channels. Then, if the input signal is determined to be a signal from one of the digital channels, the current time is set based on current time information from the signal of the digital channel. Conversely, if the input signal is determined to be a signal from one of the analog channels, the current time is set based on the current time information from an arbitrary digital channel.

Abstract: An electronic sunrise-dependent timepiece, comprising an oscillator circuit for generating clock pulses at a predetermined frequency and a clock circuit coupled to the oscillator circuit for generating minutes and hours and calendar data. An offset correction circuit coupled to the clock circuit and being responsive to a current value of calendar data adds a respective offset to the minutes and hours data so as to generate a sunrise-dependent time of day for display on a suitable display device.

Abstract: A time signal repeater enabling a radio correction clock to receive a relayed radio signal without regard as to the position of arrangement and without complicated trouble, including a reception circuit for receiving a standard time radio signal and correcting an internal clock to a time according to the time code included in the received radio signal and a transmission circuit for generating and transmitting time radio signals which have different intensities and include time codes based on the internal clock at a plurality of predetermined times, and a time correction system using the same.

Abstract: A wristwatch receives time-of-day information transmitted in the form of an infrared signal and then calculates the difference between the received time-of-day information and its time data. A decision is made as to whether the difference is not less than or less than a predetermined value. If the difference is less than the predetermined value, the accuracy of the received data and the accuracy set in the wristwatch are determined by referring to the types of time-measuring references. When the received data is higher accurate, the current time data stored by the first storage area is corrected by the received time data.

Abstract: To provide a self-correcting watch wherein a high precision self-correction of the watch circuit can be realized without any troublesome operation, a self-correcting watch of the invention having a zero second set button comprises: a time interval counter circuit for counting a time interval from a first pressing of the zero second set button for time setting until each following pressing of the zero second set button for manually correcting time indication; a correction value memory for storing correction information including the time interval and an accumulation of correction values of the time indication performed both manually and automatically from the first pressing of the zero second set button; and a correction value calculator circuit for calculating an absolute time interval at which the time indication is to be corrected automatically by one second, from the time interval of a concerning pressing of the zero second set button counted by the time interval counter, a correction value of the time ind

Abstract: An improved setting mechanism for an electronic watch having a case and circuitry for performing timepiece functions. The setting mechanism includes a setting stem mounted in an opening through the case of the watch. The setting stem is mounted to permit axial and rotational movement of the stem in relation to the case. The setting mechanism also includes a device for generating a first electrical signal which includes incremental electrical pulses in response to a continuous clockwise rotation of the setting stem. The setting mechanism further includes a device for generating a second electrical signal which includes incremental electrical pulses in response to a continuous counterclockwise rotation of the setting stem. The first and the second electrical signals provide inputs to predetermined setting functions for the electronic watch and permit an incremental update of values during the setting functions at a rate directly related to the rate of rotation of the setting stem.

Abstract: A device (10) mounted in a timepiece for generating a variable inductive magnetic current, the device consisting of a mobile member (39) including an element for conducting the inductive magnetic current and a non-conductive element. The device also includes a mechanism for detecting (13) the variable inductive magnetic current mechanism (14), processing signals derived from the detecting mechanism and a mechanism (15) controlling the timepiece functions. The device facilitates the control of the timepiece without requiring an element physically passing through the timepiece case, thus enabling complete sealing of the timepiece.

Abstract: To provide a hand display-type electronic timepiece which is simply constructed, enables the manufacturer or the user of the analog electronic timepiece to easily and correctly accomplish synchronism between the hands and the timing counter, and does not require an operation for bringing the hands and the timing counter into synchronism when the cell is renewed by the user, eliminating the problems inherent in the aforementioned prior art.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a watch which includes a rotating bezel with a ring-shaped part projecting from its lower surface and with a serrated edge at the end. This ring-shaped part is fitted into an indentation in the rim and its toothed part meshes with a pinion with an axial aperture of square cross-section fitting onto a segment of complementary cross-section on the winding stem. The pinion is located in a case open laterally on the external surface of the rim and maintained in this case by a shutting device. The winding stem can be axially moved between at least two positions while remaining constantly meshed with the rotating bezel by means of the pinion allowing the rewinding or setting of the watch by rotating the bezel.

Abstract: Heretofore, in an electronic clock in which a hand is moved a plurality of divisional times per minute and the hand takes one step for each one minute during a correction, when a pointer is stopped at a point other than an exact minute due to a battery replacement or the like, a time correction has been troublesome. The present invention solves the problem and provides a pointer-type electronic clock which can easily perform the time correction even if the clock is arranged so that a minute hand may be moved a plurality of times per minute. The pointer-type electronic clock has a minute hand that is moved at a plurality of divisional steps per minute in a time display state. The minute hand is moved at one step per minute in a correction state. The pointer-type electronic clock comprises minute hand position adjusting means for allowing the minute hand to be moved onto any one of each minute scale and to be then stopped when the minute hand is stopped or time is corrected.

Abstract: A timer is provided with a setting member which is moved in order to set, increase or decrease a desired countdown time. Movement of the setting member in one direction generates an increment pattern and movement in an opposite direction generates a decrement pattern. A bit generator is connected to increment or decrement the countdown time.

Abstract: A radio controlled timepiece movement includes a carrier structure and a wheel train mounted thereon. The wheel train includes a plurality of rotatable wheels each having a wheel aperture formed therein. The apertures are alignable with one another. A printed circuit board is mounted on the carrier structure and has a board aperture formed therethrough. An end of the board aperture disposed farthest from the wheels is covered by a portion of a conductor of the circuit board. A light beam transmitter is mounted on that conductor and disposed in the board aperture. A wire extends from the element to the second conductor. The transmitter and wire are embedded within a radiation-permeable material which fills the board aperture.

Abstract: A communications system includes apparatus for generating a succession of time message signals, a central station having a transmitter for transmitting the time message signals, at least a first receiver for receiving the time message signals and timer circuits for determining the real time of receipt of each time message signal. Each time message signal is representative of the real time of receipt, by the first receiver, of a preceding time message. The first receiver includes a clock for providing the first receiver with an internal time signal. The clock is reset upon receipt of a first time message signal and is advanced, upon receipt of a subsequent time message signal, by the real time indicated by the subsequent time message signal.

Abstract: The invention concerns a synchronisation device for synchronising the analogue display with the digital display of a timepiece.The device includes a contact wheel (1), driven by the hour-wheel of the timepiece, on which is fixed a contact spring (2) with several arms (4, 6; 8, 10). The arms make contact with conductive strips (T1-T5) distributed according to a particular arrangement on a printed circuit board associated with the device according to the invention. Via the geometry of the arms, the strips are periodically connected in different configurations. The series of combinations forming the possible different configurations is repeated periodically. The device further comprises an electronic control signal generating device for storing the initial position corresponding to a certain configuration of the contacts. Since the series of combinations is given, each movement of the hour-wheel can be detected.

Abstract: An electronic clock for indicating a time including a source oscillator having a predetermined frequency, a frequency divider circuit for dividing down the frequency of the source oscillator, an input device for generating a continuous input signal when actuated, an input control circuit for detecting the input signal from the input device, an input time counting circuit for counting a period of time from the clock signal during which the input control circuit detects a continuous input signal from the input device, an input time detecting circuit for detecting when the period of time counted by the input time counting circuit equals at least one predetermined value, and a setting increment/decrement control circuit to establish successive predetermined periods of time determined by at least one predetermined value, the rate at which the set time is incremented or decremented is varied in each predetermined period of time by changing a value of a unit of time to be added to or subtracted from the set time.

Abstract: A timer set key is depressed and a set time is incremented a number of times, if it is determined that an incremented set time is equal to "OFF", then the processing proceeds and the incremented set time is displayed during a time period longer than about 100 milliseconds, which is a display time of a normal set time, e.g., about 500 milliseconds. Therefore, when the set time is successively incremented from the set time to the set time during the time that the timer set key is depressed, only "OFF" is displayed for a time period longer that those of other set times.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for setting timepieces. A system for setting timepieces includes a television signal receiver having a first clock for keeping time in the television signal receiver, a device for extracting a time from a television signal received by the television signal receiver, a device for updating the time kept by the first clock by the time extracted from the television signal, and a first transmitter for transmitting time read from the first clock to a remote controller for setting the time on a second clock for keeping time in the remote controller.